Noxious Weeds

The Noxious Weed Problem

Noxious weeds have had a profound impact on some areas of the Lost River Ranger District and adjacent lands.  Noxious weeds can quickly eliminate native or desirable vegetation through competition.  This can cause serious problems for grazing, crop production, native plants, and wildlife.  Leafy spurge alone has taken hundreds of acres of farmland and rangeland out of effective production.  Other noxious weeds pose a similar threat to agricultural and range lands.  Some noxious weeds are also toxic to humans and animals.
 

Photo of a small infested area with noxious weeds. Photo of a wide infestation of noxious weeds.

Noxious weed infestations may begin as just a few plants (left picture) but when untreated can quickly grow to cover large areas (right picture).  Note how the leafy spurge in the picture on the right has eliminated native vegetation over a large area.  This has severely reduced wildlife habitat and forage production for livestock.